Welcome

Anyone can make a home server and take back control of their data.  Self-hosting can improve your digital privacy and security by keeping your data in your home.  Host a personal website, build a private cloud, or share with an online community. 

What is the Cloud?

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Modern open-source software can offer familiar online services and put you in complete control.  Start with affordable hardware like single-board computers, mini PCs or even a refurbished workstation computer.  

Connect your server to the World Wide Web with a domain name and modern router, or access all your services while away using a virtual private network.

Table of Contents

1. Your Personal Cloud
   • Welcome
   • What is the Cloud?
   • Getting Started
   • Background
   • Understanding the Requirements
2. Hardware
   • What is a Server?
   • Quick-Start Examples
   • Layers of Computing
   • Community Impact
   • Firmware Configuration 
     
3. Software
   • What is Linux?
   • An Open Ecosystem 
     
   • Installing an Operating System
   • Configuring Debian
   • What is Docker?
   • Installing Docker
4. Services
   • What is a Service?
   • Considerations
   • Evaluating Safety
   • Selecting Your Services
   • Managing Services
   • Home Page
   • Building Community
5. Monitoring & Maintenance
   • Sustainable Solutions
   • Network Access
   • Backup Solutions
   • Administration
   • Troubleshooting
   • Cleaning
6. World Wide Web
   • What are Computer Networks?
   • How to Remotely Connect
   • Virtual Private Network
   • Web Domain Name
   • Security & Privacy
   • Router Configuration

Through educational do-it-yourself guides we explore the hardware and software requirements for a home server, including quick-start examples. This process uses Debian Linux and Docker to quickly self-host your services through the browser-based interface. 

Get Started